In the Venetian times, the eastern basin of the Old Harbor in Chania was used to build shipyards (Arsenali), so that the Venetians can maintain their strong maritime presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Katechaki square, at the western edge of the remaining Venetian shipyards is the hub for the “a little swing festival” in Chania, hosting its two main Venues, one on each side of the square, right by the waterfront of the Venetian Old Harbor.
Old Customs House/ Mikis Theodorakis theatre
In the early 1900s, in the place of some of the shipyards, was built the Customs house, in the neoclassical style of the period. The Customs office was relocated in the 80s and the building started deteriorating until it was completely renovated in the early 2000s’. It reopened in 2017, as a multi-cultural centre and was named after the great Greek composer, Mikis Theodorakis.
Grand Arsenal/ Centre for Mediterranean Architecture – CAM
While the western shipyards were destroyed to create Katechaki square and the Customs house, one shipyard was left alone. The Grand Arsenal, still stands on the west side of the square.
Built from 1585 to 1600, it was used throughout the history of the town, not only as a shipyard, but also as a school, a theatre, a hospital and as the Town Hall. It was partially destroyed by bombings in 1941 and renovated in 2002. Since then it is home of the Centre for Mediterranean Architecture and hosts a variety of events, such as performances, exhibitions and conferences from all over the world.
